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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a partner?
Nope! I can lead or follow, so I can teach you whatever role you would like to learn.
What is blues dancing?
Any attempt to define blues dancing has a tendency to start heated arguments, sometimes culminating in physical violence. However, I will make my own attempt. Blues dancing is dancing done usually to blues music, usually with a partner, usually using movement concepts such as stretch, resilience, counter-balance, inward connection (like tango), ass-shaking, freedom and love. You can see some here and here and here.
What is lindy hop?
Lindy hop has a slightly less contentious definition. It is the original swing dance, a partner dance done to swinging jazz music. This is likely the kind of dancing you've seen in the movies. It involves improvisation, syncopation, and something infinitely glorious called a "swing out." I really insist that you learn it. Some have called it a mild form of insanity, but it's the best insanity you'll ever contract. You can see it here and here and at a much more moderate tempo here.
What levels do you teach?
I teach all levels of dance with enthusiasm and care. If you tried dancing but suck at it, if you think you're pretty good but need work on a few key issues, or if you are completely awesome, I will happily teach you.
Where are you located?
I am home-based in Seattle, WA, specifically Capitol Hill.
Where do you teach?
I teach at different places around Seattle on a free-lance basis, and I also teach private lessons out of my apartment.
What do you charge?
For private lessons I charge $60 an hour, but I have a sliding scale/pay-what-you-can system. It is important to me that people have access to a friendly, compassionate and competent teacher, no matter how broke they are. For workshops or classes my fee is negotiable, depending on how big the class is and the resources of the organizer. I love teaching and I am willing to work with people to make events happen.
Do you teach group privates?
Yes. Unfortunately, my modest apartment will not comfortably fit more than four students. But if you have a space, I am willing to give private lessons to a slightly larger group of people, but then we are getting into that murky area between private lesson and actual class. Contact me with specifics.
Will you come to where I am?
Probably. If it is not too inconvenient (convenient-ness measured in number of bus transfers) I will travel for free.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing. Shoes without rubber soles. No heels.
Didn't you used to be called Sara?
Yes, I did used to be called Sara. But there are so many Saras in the dance scene and in the world at large, I decided to change my name to a name I actually like. I decided to do this when I married Solomon, because getting married is a significant rite of passage, and also traditionally the wife changes her name, though in my case I kept my last name (Goodriches represent!) and changed my first name. I hope this pleases you.
What is a lindy or blues exchange?
The all-knowing internet explains it better than me here.
What if my question is very unique and not addressed on this page?
That is pretty awesome. Email me it: calico.goodrich@gmail.com